vauva
/ˈʋɑu̯ʋɑ/
The English word 'baby' is translated into Finnish as vauva. Wiktionary also lists pikkulapsi.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| vauva | /ˈʋɑu̯ʋɑ/ |
| pikkulapsi | /ˈpikːuˌlɑpsi/ |
The term refers to a very young human being. In Finnish, you can use either vauva or pikkulapsi to describe such a person.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'baby's' (possessive), use the form vauvan. To say 'to the baby', use the form vauvalle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʋɑu̯ʋɑ/
Did you know?
- The word vauva is an onomatopoeia, meaning it was created to imitate the actual sounds a baby makes during babbling.
- While vauva is the standard word for baby, Finns often use the diminutive vauvunen to express extra affection or cuteness.
- In Finnish, the word for 'child' lapsi is used much more broadly than in English and can refer to a person's offspring regardless of whether they are a vauva or a grown adult.
Examples in context
- Se vauva on unessa.The baby is asleep.This sentence is useful for showing the word vauva in a sentence about being asleep.Tatoeba #7824429 by Thanuir, translation #45836 by CK
- Vauva itki koko yön.The baby cried all night.This sentence shows how to use vauva when describing a baby crying.Tatoeba #1044033 by ondo, translation #492680 by CK
- Se vauva nukkuu yhä.The baby is still sleeping.This sentence is useful for seeing the word vauva used in a sentence about sleeping.Tatoeba #7824431 by Thanuir, translation #272323 by CK
- Onnea vauvan syntymän johdosta!Congratulations on the baby's birth!
- Tässä vauvalle pieni lahja.Here's a small gift for the baby.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antti and Emma are visiting a friend's house.
- AnttiOnko tämä vauva sinun?Is this baby yours?
- EmmaKyllä, hän on minun vauvani.Yes, he is my baby.
- AnttiHän on todella suloinen.He is really adorable.
- EmmaKiitos, hän nukkuu juuri nyt.Thank you, he is sleeping right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries vauva, pikkulapsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pikkulapsi, vauva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
